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Chelsea’s season now rests on their participation in the FA Cup, and the players seem to be happy with Calum McFarlane in charge for the latest trip to Wembley.
A nightmare run of form has cost the Blues any chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season, and also sparked the end of Liam Rosenior’s time in charge of the club.
The Blues decision makers will be giving themselves time to hopefully make the right appointment in the long-term, with Calum McFarlane set to lead the club for the rest of the season.
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This includes the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, and despite his inexperience he seems to have the backing of the players in this position.
David Ornstein believes that McFarlane has the respect of the Chelsea players, and is highly regarded internally at the club.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
He told The Athletic: “Now replacing him will be Calum McFarlane who has already done it on an interim basis and got a very credible draw at Manchester City in which some felt in certain metrics he actually went toe-to-toe or even outplayed the great Pep Guardiola.
“His second match was a defeat at Fulham that was down to 10 men after Marc Cucurella was sent off. He’s very highly regarded within the club and seemingly respected by the playing staff.”
There was a clear admiration for the interim boss when he was promoted to the first team setup upon the arrival of Rosenior to the club.
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Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images Early team news for Chelsea vs Leeds
Rosenior admitted he was hopeful that both Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer would be fit enough to return to the squad for the clash at Wembley, after both missed the trip to Brighton.
There is less optimism that Reece James will be fit to return. The skipper will surely be prioritising his fitness for the World Cup this summer.
Estevao Willian will not play for the club again this season after the serious hamstring injury he suffered against Manchester United. His own participation at the World Cup is in serious jeopardy.
On paper, Chelsea have more than enough quality to beat Leeds, although this will depend on them beating a side who they have not defeated in two attempts so far this season.
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